Yes, PDRN Is Derived From Salmon Sperm — But It’s Not as Weird as You Think
A skincare expert breaks down the popular ingredient.
If you’re well versed in skincare, chances are you’ve come across PDRN — the buzzy ingredient that went viral for being derived from salmon sperm. But beyond being Kim Kardashian‘s facial of choice, beauty fans have felt left in the dark when it comes to medical jargon surrounding skincare products. For PDRN in particular, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, there’s tons of confusion and false information on TikTok about what it actually is and why it might be helpful to implement into your routine.
So, what is PDRN? While the skin regenerating ingredient can be derived from salmon sperm, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, PDRN has evolved to include three different alternatives. While the first generation of the ingredient is known as marine PDRN and is extracted from salmon and other fishes — there’s also plant PDRN, which is vegan-friendly and derived from plants, along with microbial PDRN which is created in a lab.
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As strange as salmon sperm may sound, PDRN is actually a dermatologist-approved ingredient. Although PDRN comes in different variations depending on your product of choice, the bottom line is that it stimulates collagen production, accelerates cell regeneration and enhances skin elasticity. “Since PDRN helps synthesize DNA more efficiently, it plays a key role in promoting skin regeneration by supporting the rebuilding of these core structural proteins,” Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jae Yong Ban tells Hypebae. Additionally, PDRN appears in both clinical treatments and skincare products for these reasons.
Dr. Ban also finds that PDRN is a great ingredient for anti-aging — which is part of the reason why it’s such a popular choice among celebrities. “As the skin ages, it tends to become more sensitive — studies show that nearly 70% of people in their 30s experience skin sensitivity. Increased sensitivity indicates a weakened skin barrier, which in turn highlights the need for skin regeneration,” he says.
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Although PDRN may seem questionable, it’s been around for longer than you might think. Dr. Ban says that it’s been a popular skincare ingredient in Korea for over a decade, and it’s not quite as abnormal as TikTok makes it out to be. “PDRN is a representative ingredient that has been used in dermatology as a skin booster treatment for around 10 – 15 years, with its effectiveness and safety well-validated through clinical procedures. Thanks to this proven track record, countless procedures are carried out in Korean dermatology clinics today,” the dermatologist says.
So, even if you’re still skeptical about adding salmon sperm to your skincare routine, rest assured you still can reap the benefits of PDRN by opting for plant-based or lab-made alternatives. Even though TikTok has created a stigma surrounding PDRN, tons of dermatologists stand by the fact that it’s an effective skincare ingredient that’s completely safe for both at-home use and beauty treatments.
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